July 22, 2010

Rooted

Last year, it was an alien on a tumor. This year, the building of the Ateneo Art Gallery is crawling with Jan Leeroy New's "Balete."

Balete by Jan Leeroy New


The balete or banyan tree figures prominently in Philippine mythology as the favored home of spirits, especially the malevolent and evil kind. A portion of the exhibit notes reads:
    Who's afraid of the Balete? Also called the Banyan tree, the Balete's distinct aerial prop roots and capacity to grow to huge proportions have bestowed upon the tree a sacred identity. Most dare not trespass this mysterious entity. Nevertheless, Leeroy New goes ahead to recreate the awe and terror that it inspires, using bright orange flexible conduits for electric cables as probing roots that attach to and choke pristine white pillars.

Balete by Jan Leeroy New


All I can say is, I refuse to walk down my favorite brick road at night while the exhibit is ongoing (until October 2 or as long as the plastic tubes last, whichever comes first).

Balete by Jan Leeroy New

29 comments:

Chattahoochee Valley Daily said...

I like the creepy, organic feel of this 'sculpture'.

Also, I am sorry for the loss of your friend, but you will have the memories of your trip to warm your heart.

Barb

Al said...

That is a freaky looking sculpture, I'm not sure I'd want to walk next to it at night either.

I'm sorry for the loss of your friend Anne.

Anonymous said...

What a sight ! Surely effective, even during the day. Please have a wonderful Thursday.

Oakland Daily Photo said...

Prickly and creepy, which I guess is the point. But I'm with you, I'd be on the other side of the street.

George said...

This is a very interesting sculpture. It's weird-looking, but I rather like it. I might not like it as well after dark, however.

escape said...

that's one great big art piece. i hope they get to retain it there or at least have continues display of macro artworks.

Tash said...

Gosh, this sure is creepy ... and creeping. I would refuse to walk by it too. Most excellent photos of it though. That took some courage. :p

lewi14@gmail.com said...

Looks like ... interesting (and nearly like aliens with tumours). But the illuminated sculpture is very amazing.

gogouci said...

That is a real creepy installation. It's the kind of stuff that gives kids nightmares.

gogouci said...

Also, the night shot makes it look like it has a pulse. Creepier.

James Mark said...

Much more interesting than a pickled cow.

Francisca said...

I adore the balete tree... it's so majestic and powerful. The artist has done a great job of capturing the awe this tree inspires. And I love it when art galleries bring their art outside. Good post, Hilda.

Birdman said...

Thanks for sharing the mythology to go with the art.

JTG (Misalyn) said...

interesting piece of art, this sure is eerie....lalo na siguro sa gabi. i like the second photo...i can see all the details.

Halcyon said...

Strange artwork. Does not appeal to me much either.

GreensboroDailyPhoto said...

I do find these creepy. Maybe it is because I've been seeing too many crime movies lately.

Too bad you won't be getting to the theater as much because you had some of the best theater pics in the blogosphere.

If you like Willy Wonka, you've gotta get a theater/school to collaborate and produce it. There are so many parts for kids. It is beautiful.

arabesque said...

haha, looks like creepy crawlers out to haunt you! ^0^
what a cool piece, very artistic!

Lowell said...

That's wild and more than a little strange...but certainly unique. Thanks for providing the background as that helps understand what these are all about.

We have banyan trees, too, but I've never that particular mythology.

Lois said...

Creepy is the word that comes to my mind too and I don't blame you for not walking around near them at night!

Kaori said...

Looks like an amature sci-fi movie scene! I think I'm more scared of it during the day, though. Your night shot is actually very pretty :D

EG CameraGirl said...

It does look evil. It seems a long time to wait till you can walk there though. Maybe if you smile and talk sweetly....

Unknown said...

This is SO cool! I especially like the way it looks in the middle shot.

VP said...

Sincerely I am not sure to like it, but I have to admit that it is unusual and spectacular. Honor to the imagination of the author!

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Hilda: That is really cool.

Stefan Jansson said...

I think I might have met that thing on a nightmare many years ago!

Erik W. Laursen said...

Despite its "creepy" factor, I'm somehow drawn to the art. I wish I could go see it in person.

Mirela said...

This can go under "alien" qualification too! It's oddly, weirdly appealing :)

Dina said...

Yep, could be scary at night.
The creature reminds me of Dr. Seuss imaginings.

AB said...

It looks like the balete is about to take over the city.